Yulia Mikhailova spoke about the final days of Konstantin Koltsov, the former coach of Salavat Yulaev, and what he had planned before his death. The Belarusian hockey community continues to process the loss, and her comments have become part of the ongoing conversation about the events that preceded it. The phrase attributed to him, Belarusian hockey, underscored the pride he felt in his roots and the sport he loved.
Investigators have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or self-inflicted. Toxicology results are expected within about a month, and law enforcement has taken Konstantin’s phone and laptop as part of the inquiry. The timeline shows a careful, fact-based approach to gathering information before any conclusions are drawn.
Some observers believe the circumstances point away from deliberate self-harm. The absence of obvious personal troubles and the way events unfolded have led others to consider the possibility of an accident. Koltsov reportedly rented a car for an extended period, paid for purchases that had not yet arrived, and booked another apartment, moves that some view as routine arrangements rather than distress signals.
Koltsov’s passing became public on March 19. In the days that followed, the former Salavat Yulaev coach traveled to Miami, where he supported Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka as she prepared for a major tournament. The gesture highlighted the connections within the sports world and the mutual support among athletes across disciplines [Citation: Belarusian sports press].
Koltsov joined Salavat Yulaev in 2022 as part of the technical staff, bringing his experience to a club with a long history in Russian and European hockey. Before that, he worked with Spartak and led Dynamo Molodechno in the Belarusian Extra League, building a career that bridged different leagues and playing styles.
As a player, Koltsov had spells in Russia and Belarus and spent time in the National Hockey League with the Pittsburgh Penguins after being selected 18th overall in the first round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. His career touched multiple levels of the sport, from junior development to the highest professional stage, illustrating a journey that inspired many in his home country and beyond.
In the wake of his death, Sabalenka, a well-known Belarusian tennis figure, publicly reflected on their relationship and the impact of Koltsov’s passing. Her reflections added a human dimension to the story, reminding readers that athletes often share more than competition—they share a community that supports one another in times of sorrow [Citation: Belarusian sports press].